Eating certain health foods can provide you with extra nutrients and dietary fiber that can make you feel fuller for a longer amount of time than junk foods. Health foods are foods that provide you ample amounts of nutrients, mainly contain unrefined ingredients and do not contain artificial ingredients. Junk foods include foods made with refined flour, sugar and other carbohydrates, along with artificial ingredients -- doughnuts, white bread and pasta, french fries and candy bars, for example.
Whole-grain Bread and Pasta
Whole-grain bread and pasta have not been stripped of its nutrients and fiber like refined varieties have. It is usually brown in color, but not all brown breads are high in dietary fiber. Check the ingredient list and make sure it says "whole" grains and not "enriched" grains. The Iowa State University Extension states that unrefined or complex carbohydrates like whole-grain bread adds bulk to your digestive tract, which makes you feel full. The denser the bread or pasta, the more fiber it contains and the fuller you will feel. It also helps stimulate your digestive process and slows the absorption of sugars, which helps regulate your blood sugar levels. This healthy food also provides you with nutrients like vitamin E, an antioxidant.
Quinoa
Quinoa is a whole grain that is usually eaten as a healthier replacement to white rice. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to boil. You can also find quinoa in the form of a whole-grain pasta. For a grain, quinoa contains a high amount of protein, about 8g per cooked cup along with all of the essential amino acids. Because of its high amount of protein and dietary fiber, it keeps your appetite satisfied.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds contain healthy fats, which keep your skin from getting dry, protect your hair and provide vitamins, minerals and protein for optimal health. Raw pumpkin seeds, hemp seed, chia seed, walnuts and ground flaxseeds offer omega-3 oils. Many nuts, like cashews and Brazil nuts, provide you with zinc, while other seeds and nuts contain vitamin E. Vegetarians and vegans often rely on nuts as a source of protein or mix them with beans and grains. These beneficial foods offer you nutrients that keep your body nourished.
Tempeh
Tempeh is fermented organic soybeans. It is one of the healthiest forms of soy because it is easier to digest than its other forms, plus it is a probiotic, which promotes intestinal health, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Soybeans offer a source of protein and nutrients. Marinate it in soy sauce, garlic and spices, and use it in stir fry or as a replacement to deli meat.
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